The excitement for Eurovision 2025 is building as the order of performances for the semi-finals has been officially announced. The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG SSR) made the decision, which has been approved by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). This year's event is set to take place in Basel, Switzerland, with the semi-finals scheduled for May 13 and May 15, followed by the grand final on May 17, 2025, at the St. Jakobshalle arena.
The first semi-final will kick off with Iceland, followed by a lineup that includes Poland, Slovenia, Estonia, Ukraine, Sweden, Portugal, Norway, Belgium, Azerbaijan, San Marino, Albania, the Netherlands, Croatia, and Cyprus. The second semi-final will start with Australia and will feature Montenegro, Ireland, Latvia, Armenia, Austria, Greece, Lithuania, Malta, Georgia, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Israel, Serbia, and Finland.
Participants for the semi-finals were allocated in January 2025, a process that involved random draws from six pots based on historical voting patterns. This method aims to ensure a fair competition among the diverse entries.
Among the contenders, Sweden, represented by KAJ, is currently favored to win according to betting houses, with Austria, France, Israel, and the Netherlands following closely behind. This prediction adds an extra layer of anticipation as fans prepare to see how these favorites will perform on the big stage.
Notably, Moldova will not be participating in Eurovision 2025. The decision comes after a series of challenges faced by the country, including economic, administrative, and artistic hurdles. Last year, Moldova was represented by Natalia Barbu, who unfortunately did not qualify for the final. In a surprising turn, Romania also withdrew from the contest in the previous edition due to financial constraints after their representative, Teodor Andrei, missed out on the grand final in 2023.
Eurovision has been a platform for artistic expression and cultural exchange since its inception, with Moldova participating since 2005. The absence of these two countries marks a significant change for the competition, which has always celebrated diversity and talent from across Europe.
As the date approaches, fans are eager to see how the performances will unfold and which country will take home the coveted trophy. The Eurovision Song Contest continues to be a highlight in the cultural calendar, drawing millions of viewers worldwide and showcasing the best of European music and performance art.
With the stakes higher than ever, the anticipation for Eurovision 2025 is palpable. As the semi-finals approach, fans and artists alike are gearing up for an unforgettable experience, filled with music, creativity, and perhaps a few surprises along the way.
